Concise Current Affairs Recap: 30 December 2015

Launched as a part of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS), Gaofen-4 is located at the orbit 36000 kilometres away from the earth and moves synchronously with the earth. The launch is reportedly aimed at providing surveillance and support for disaster prevention and relief.

2-Raghuveer Chaudhary selected for 51st Jnanpith award

Image via abplive.in

Noted Gujarati litterateur R. Chaudhary has been selected for the 51st Jnanpith award for his contribution to Indian literature. He is the fourth literary figure from Gujarat to bag the award.

For technology upgradation of the textiles industry, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the introduction of Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) in place of the existing Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RR-TUFS) The new scheme will give a boost to Make in India in the textiles sector.

4- Long-range Barak-8 missile test fired

Indian Navy has successfully tested for the first time the long-range Barak-8 missile that was jointly developed by India and Israel. The surface-to-air missile can defend against airborne threats in the short to long range category. It was tested from INS Kolkata.

5-Haryana makes matriculation must for civic polls

Image via intoday.in

Haryana government has decided to fix matriculation as the minimum educational qualification for male candidates to contest the local body elections. For females, and males belonging to scheduled-castes, the qualification would be middle pass.

6- Giorgi Kvirikashvili elected as Prime Minister of Georgia

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Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Georgia.

Russia’s Rostech State Corporation has tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture at least 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters. The Kamov helicopter will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak. This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the framework of the Make in India initiative.

8-Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Santa Claus sculpture featured in Limca Book of Records

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Sudarsan Pattnaik’s Santa Claus sculpture on 29 December 2015 found a place in Limca Book of World Records as the largest sand Santa Claus as of today. He has also established The Golden Sand Art Institute.

9-Interstellar’ most pirated film of 2015

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As per data from piracy-tracking firm Excipio, Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ was the most pirated film of 2015. ‘Interstellar’ was illegally downloaded over 46 million. It was followed by Vin Diesel and Paul Walker-starrer ‘Furious 7’ which had over 44 million illegal downloads.

10-Labour ministry to mandate crèches near offices

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The Labour Ministry is set to mandatory provide employees to have access to a crèche (daycare centre) nearby. It mandates all establishments with 50 employees or 30 women whichever is less.